Tom, from Kootingal, was one of seven brand new students who were among 44 from Years 7-12 who spent an extended long weekend learning songs, movement and dialogue that will bring the much-loved ‘Oliver’ to the stage in March.

“When Mum asked if I’d like to be in the musical and that meant going to a camp, I wasn’t so sure at first, but it was so great. I wasn’t the only new kid and we were made feel really welcome.

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And because we were staying here it meant we also got to the routine of boarding before I’d even started – I haven’t been homesick at all,” he said.

On the boards of the school’s Hoskins Theatre the students were put through their paces by Director Andrew O’Connell, Musical Director Leanne Roobol, accompanist Warwick Dunham, and choreographer Joanne Weisel, assisted by 2018 leaver Kira Dooner and stage manager Year 12 student Stephanie Clarkson.

“Battling the heat made for long and tiring days, but what was achieved particularly with the large ensemble numbers is looking fantastic thanks to the productivity and passion of the cast and gives them a wonderful head start for a busy term ahead,” Mr O’Connell said.

He said the production will be a hallmark of creative life of the school in its 125th year.

“It’s a musical that is hugely popular with our parents and our senior community, who were more familiar with it than many of our students. A number then took delight in introducing it to their children which really gave it a lot of momentum in the lead up to auditions and casting,” Mr O’Connell said.

“It’s an iconic work with importance historic social commentary and to have that brought to life in 2019 by boys and girls, boarders and day students from Years 7 to 12, is also a powerful celebration on the richness of the creative arts and indeed the broader history of TAS.”